The Best Classical Guitars: Ultimate Reviews
Guitars are probably one of the most popular and available musical instruments around the world, and classical guitars are the favorite version of this instrument.
These guitars are characterized by being lightweight with a wooden body and easy to play thanks to the nylon strings that produce a warm sound while being gentle with your fingers and fingernails. Those modern versions have their origins in Antonio Torres Jurado, a Spanish luthier, and for this reason it is also called Spanish guitar.
If you are looking for the perfect classical guitar (without spending a lot of money), here we have a list with our preferences, specially for those beginners and intermediate players.
Cordoba C3M
The Cordoba company was founded in 1997, and since then it has been providing not only excellent guitars but also an excellent service. So, if you are looking for a direct descendant of the Spanish guitar tradition, Cordoba is a perfect and affordable option.
Cordoba aims to challenge the evolution of the classic nylon string guitar, using traditional craftsmanship with the most modern developments. As a result, their guitars are lightweight and comfortable to play, and the C3M is a good example of this: it is built with a solid cedar top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood bridge and fingerboard.
This model has a natural matte/satin finish and a warm and resonant tone, thanks to its responsive soundboard.
- Full handcrafted, built with the traditional Spanish fan bracing
- Features gold plated nickel tuning machines with pearl buttons
- Built with a solid cedar top, mahogany back/sides, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge
Kremona Rosa Morena Flamenco Series
Kremona is set in Bulgaria since 1924, achieving a great reputation due to its affordable and excellent classical guitars. And the Rosa Morena from its flamenco series is not an exception.
The sound of the Rosa Morena is defined by its players as excellent. This model has a rich and sweet tone, thanks to its top-quality material: Honduras cedar neck, Indian rosewood bridge and fingerboard and solid spruce top.
Besides, it has an ultra-thin polyurethane gloss finish and soft nylon flamenco strings that makes it a beautiful handcrafted guitar you will love to play.
- Top-quality materials and gloss polyurethane finish
- Features Kremona Arete Negro Agudos flamenco strings
- Comes with a thick foamed bag with dual shoulder straps
Yamaha C40II
Yamaha has over 100 years of experience as an instrument manufacturer and it is one of the most popular brands around the world. Their guitars are another example of the company’s good work.
The Yamaha C40II is a new version of the C40, from the company’s C-series nylon string guitars. This model is the perfect choice for those beginner and intermediate learners who want to have the quality of Yamaha’s brand but are shopping with a budget.
Despite of the price, the C40II has an excellent quality, tone and playability. It is handcrafted cleanly and with precision, and the result is a lightweight but sturdy guitar with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, meranti back and sides, and an elegant gloss finish.
- Yamaha’s quality at a very affordable price
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge with chrome pearloid tuners
- Body made of laminate wood and neck made of nato (similar to mahogany)
Valencia VC204
The Valencia’s company, based in Australia, has been producing exceptional and affordable classical guitars since 1972. Their purpose is to create quality and affordable instruments with the best material, while making an effort to conserve resources and preserve natural habitats.
Any of their series is a good choice, but we have selected the VC204 model of the Series 200 for their accessible price and nice material: sitka spruce top, nato body and sides, and ebonized mahogany fingerboard and bridge. The nickel plated machine heads with cream buttons and a see-through satin finish completes the look.
- Rich and balanced tone
- Classical body type with arched back for a better tonal response
- More stability and strength thanks to the two central strips placed along the neck
Kremona Soloist S65C
Another Kremona guitar for our list is the Soloist S65C, which is an excellent option if you are looking for an even more affordable model than the Rosa Morena, or for a guitar without a subtle flamenco tone.
The Kremona Soloist S65C has a solid red cedar top and sapele sides and back. Its neck is made out of African mahogany with a thin gloss finish, plus the Indian rosewood bridge and fingerboard. This quality material guarantees a great volume and a perfectly balanced beautiful tone.
With the Soloist S65C, a padded bag with neck support is included, for a perfect guitar storage.
- Fully handcrafted in Europe
- Van Gent gold plated machine heads and a dovetail neck joint
- Quality assured including a set-up with premium Kremona Arete strings
Alhambra 1OP-US
Handcrafted in Spain, the Alhambra company has been manufacturing its guitars since 1965. Their pieces are unique, produced blending traditional handmade work with modern woodworking techniques.
Alhambra’s classical guitars are made with the traditional Spanish heel and using fine woods. It is the case of the 1OP-US, available in red cedar. The back, sides and neck, are made of mahogany, with a rosewood fingerboard. This concrete model has an open pore finish that allows a louder sound, and the strings are D’ Addario Pro, which produce a sweet and nice sound.
- Includes a soft gig bag
- Features nickel plated machine heads and D’Addario strings
- Open pore finish for a more freely sound vibration (also available with a high gloss finish)
Ortega R121-3/4WR
Ortega guitars combine the best German design and the most traditional techniques of guitar making since the company beginnings in 1994.
Their instruments are checked twice. First, they must pass a quality test before leaving the logistics centre and then, another inspection takes place by Ortega’s QC team in Germany. The Ortega R121-3/4WR is not an exception, and it is a perfect option for young beginners. Its 3/4 size is made with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and with a gloss finish in wine red.
- Includes a deluxe gig bag
- With mahogany neck and walnut fretboard and bridge
- Warm and resonant sound thanks to a very good tuning hardware
